Parents have criticised a decision to close an alleyway leading to a school after a child was approached.

Larkswood Primary School, in New Road, Chingford, took the decision to permanently shut the walkway following the incident involving a year 6 pupil on October 24.

A man tried to engage the girl in conversation in the alleyway as she walked to school, but no attempt was made to abduct or harm her.

 The school said the move was on the advice of police and to protect pupils.

But parents say children are now being put at risk by traffic in New Road and have started a petition calling for the alleyway to be re-opened, which has attracted 110 signatures.

Organiser Emily Mullinger, whose two daughters attend the school, said: "I wouldn't be doing this if New Road was not so dangerous. 

“More kids are being dropped off on zig-zag lines and in the middle of the road and cars are mounting the pavement.

"If I sit back and do nothing, there is going to be a serious accident." 

Larkswood Primary School has been approached for a comment. 

For more on this story, see this week's Guardian - out Thursday